Phase I Archaeological Survey at the Georgia Air National Guard Base, Savannah International Airport, Chatham County, Georgia

A Phase I archaeological survey approximately of 232 acres (93.9 ha), within the boundaries of the Georgia Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Savannah International Airport (IAP), was conducted during the period September 3-4, 1998, and January 26-28, 1999. The purpose of the study was to identify prehistoric and historic archaeological sites within the unsecured and secured boundaries of the facility and to evaluate those resources for possible inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The ANG proposes to construct new facilities, renovate existing facilities, and demolish selected existing structures at the Georgia Air National Guard, located at Savannah IAP. The Georgia ANG installation occupies 232 acres of leased land in the southeast and northeast quadrants of the Savannah IAP, in Chatham County, Georgia. The site of the proposed action is located approximately 21 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean and 7 miles northwest of the City of Savannah. To assist in the implementation of the Georgia Master Plan, a cultural resource evaluation was undertaken. The Phase I archaeological survey indicates the presence of no potentially significant historic or prehistoric sites. The area has experienced severe disturbance which relates to a very, low potential for archaeological sites. Based on the survey and limited shovel testing, no" archaeological sites included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be adversely effected by any future demolition or construction at the Georgia ANG Base facilities at the Savannah IAP. The Georgia ANG Master Plan prepared for the base suggested several alternatives for the new construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings. The ANG has considered relocating the proposed new structures to other sites on the Savannah IAP property. Th.e,exi ing runway, and the existing IAP Standard Operating Procedures however, limit these options Additionally, the area around the current ANG facilities is heavily' utilized with little room for expansion. ANG representatives have considered- a "no action" alternative which would require the 165t`h Airlift Wing (AVM) arid-the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) to continue using facilities they consider to, be inadequate and inefficient.